‘Lanterns’ Episode 3 Writer Breaks Down John Stewart’s Radical New Origin

In the third episode of HBO Max's "Lanterns," writer Vanessa Baden Kelly and director Stephen Williams delve into the radical new origin of John Stewart, Earth's second Green Lantern. The episode, titled "OutKast," explores how John Stewart was raised from infancy to become Earth's Green Lantern, contrasting his unique journey with that of Hal Jordan.

Kelly explained that the writers aimed to give John Stewart a backstory that had not been explored in the existing DC Comics lore. She spoke of their conversations about how a Black superhero must navigate acceptance in a world where other characters have had easier paths to their powers. Co-creators Damon Lindelof and Tom King also contributed to the development of John's origin, offering insights on how to expand upon the existing canon without violating it.

The episode ties John Stewart's story into modern conversations around race, emphasizing the challenges faced by a Black man in a society that judges him harsher for his skin color. Drawing from her own experiences and those of her co-writers, Kelly drew parallels between her own parenting struggles and those faced by John Stewart.

The episode also highlights John Stewart Sr.'s (played by J. Alphonse Nicholson) initial encounter with the Green Lantern ring. Unlike Hal Jordan, John Sr. was not chosen by the ring for its inherent brilliance or heroism, but rather because he admitted to being afraid. This moment underscores the bravery required of a Black superhero in a society that demands fearlessness, even in a fictional world.

The episode stays true to the spirit of the original "Green Lantern #87" comic, which introduced one of the first Black superheroes in the DC Comics universe. By honoring John Stewart's character and the legacy of his first appearance, "Lanterns" Episode 3 offers a fresh perspective on the Green Lantern's role in a world grappling with race and political power.